The i8 looks like it might have taken on a few changes as it moves closer to production. The original concept's complicated rear-end design looks somewhat smaller under the heavy wrapping of the prototype seen here.

The recent debut of the i8 Concept Spyder also offered a hint of what we might see when the coupe makes its production debut, doing away with its transparent doors.

The i3, designed as a small city car, will draw power from an electric motor and, although BMW has yet to confirm any technical details, reports suggest a driving range of around 160km.

The i8, aimed more at enthusiasts, is expected be driven by either a petrol- or diesel-electric hybrid system.

In the case of the Vision EfficienctDynamics concept, a 1.5 litre diesel engine is combined with two electric motors to produce 245km/h and deliver a 4.8 second run to 100km/h.